wagamama st pauls

£10 - £14 / Japanese, Asian, Vegetarian options

1 Ludgate Hill, London

Opening hours

11AM-10PM

Sunday 11AM-9PM
Monday 11AM-10PM
Tuesday 11AM-11PM
Wednesday 11AM-11PM
Thursday 11AM-11PM
Friday 11AM-10PM
Saturday 11AM-10PM

Flavorful Asian Delights Near St Paul's

Nestled in the shadow of the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, Wagamama stands as a beacon of contemporary Asian cuisine to both hurried tourists and city dwellers seeking a culinary respite. Upon entering this modern gastronomic enclave, one is met with the efficient hum of an open kitchen—a theatrical display that sets the stage for what promises to be an engaging culinary journey. The menu unfolds like a collection of carefully crafted tales, each dish hinting at an exotic locale yet rooted firmly in the accessible roads of London. From fiery katsu curries to hearty ramens, the offerings are both plentiful and inventive, ensuring every palate finds its match without veering overwhelmingly into the unknown. Particularly noteworthy is the zesty firecracker chicken, which confidently strides the fine line between fiercely spicy and delightfully savory. Recommend the matcha strawberry latte for those willing to marry the eccentric with the comforting.

Yet, while the food remains consistently strong across the board, it is the service that elevates this dining escapade from satisfactory to memorable. Attendants like Silviu and Niki navigate their roles with charm and precision, never failing to ensure dishes align with dietary restrictions—something remarkably important, especially for patrons with severe allergies. However, the futuristic QR code payment system, perhaps aimed at streamlining the process, inadvertently stirs nostalgia for a simpler, more personal dining era—one where a tactile exchange hallowed the end of a meal rather than automatic digital tallies. Despite these minor technological intrusions, Wagamama emerges victorious by focusing on its core constituents: flavorful fare served with a side of genuine hospitality. A visit leaves you savoring the symphony of flavors long after you've returned to the teeming streets outside, proving this chain restaurant jewel to be a narrative well worth discovering time and again. — Audrey Al Dente